HLR Transmission Fluid Question

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Tigerhaze
350 crawler
350 crawler
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Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:13 pm
Location: West-Central MO

HLR Transmission Fluid Question

Post by Tigerhaze » Mon May 14, 2018 6:27 pm

Good afternoon-

I posted this question in the "Show and Tell" forum so sorry if you have already seen it.

I recently bought a JD Straight 450 crawler dozer. One of the issues is that it has a slow leak from the front of the HLR. The leaking fluid is reddish purple, like automatic transmission fluid- it isn't 303 or Hygard, at least the color I am used to seeing.

Does anyone have some insight on what fluid this may be (like maybe the cold temp (low viscosity) Hygard is red?). I also wonder about mixing Hygard with that fluid and what problems that may cause. having said that, the crawler appears to shift OK between high, low, and reverse.

Thanks in advance.
(1) JD Straight 450 crawler dozer with manual outside blade; (2) JD 2010 diesel crawler loaders; (1) JD 2010 diesel dozer with hydraulic 6-way blade; (2) Model 50 backhoe attachments, misc. other construction equipment

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Stan Disbrow
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Location: Raleigh, NC

Re: HLR Transmission Fluid Question

Post by Stan Disbrow » Tue May 15, 2018 4:24 am

Hi,

The low viscosity HyGard isn't red, looks like the regular stuff. So, I am thinking it has ATF in there which won't properly lubricate your trans. I'd get that out and put in what needs to be there.

Stan
There's No Such Thing As A Cheap Crawler!

Useta Have: '58 JD 420c 5-roller w/62 inside blade
Useta Have: '78 JD350C w/6310 outside blade
Useta Have: '68 JD350, '51 Terratrac GT-25
Have: 1950 M, 2005 x495, 2008 5103 (now known as 5045D)

oljoe
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Location: Windsor, Missouri

Re: HLR Transmission Fluid Question

Post by oljoe » Tue May 15, 2018 6:37 am

I bought some oil from Orchland Farm and Home that was labelled “Premium 303”. It had a red tint but was not as dark red as transmission fluid. It defiantly wouldn’t hurt to change it.

Joe
Straight 450 loader

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Stan Disbrow
350 crawler
350 crawler
Posts: 2894
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 3:13 pm
Location: Raleigh, NC

Re: HLR Transmission Fluid Question

Post by Stan Disbrow » Tue May 15, 2018 7:44 am

Hi,

Nope. Never hurts to Change It All on a machine recently acquired. Other than brand-spanking-new, of course. That way you know for sure the What and the When. ;)

Stan
There's No Such Thing As A Cheap Crawler!

Useta Have: '58 JD 420c 5-roller w/62 inside blade
Useta Have: '78 JD350C w/6310 outside blade
Useta Have: '68 JD350, '51 Terratrac GT-25
Have: 1950 M, 2005 x495, 2008 5103 (now known as 5045D)

User avatar
Tigerhaze
350 crawler
350 crawler
Posts: 2278
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:13 pm
Location: West-Central MO

Re: HLR Transmission Fluid Question

Post by Tigerhaze » Tue May 15, 2018 8:24 am

Thanks for the replies. I also found a post last night on another JD tractor website that talked about a JD-brand dye that could be added to Hygard so you could see leaks better. In any case I'm not sure what it is because it doesn't have the smell of ATF and is more purplish but also doesn't look like Hygard so probably best to change it.

Of course with the front leak I have right now it will eventually change itself if I keep running it ;)
(1) JD Straight 450 crawler dozer with manual outside blade; (2) JD 2010 diesel crawler loaders; (1) JD 2010 diesel dozer with hydraulic 6-way blade; (2) Model 50 backhoe attachments, misc. other construction equipment

User avatar
Stan Disbrow
350 crawler
350 crawler
Posts: 2894
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 3:13 pm
Location: Raleigh, NC

Re: HLR Transmission Fluid Question

Post by Stan Disbrow » Tue May 15, 2018 10:03 am

Hi,

ACF: Auto Changing Fluid. It is not a bug, it is a feature! :P

Reminds me of the really old iron, with exposed gears and an oil tank on the fender with lines running all over to drip oil. Total Loss lubrication. And water running over screens to cool. Total Loss cooling. Ah, the days of overly large, overly simple designs. ;)

Stan
There's No Such Thing As A Cheap Crawler!

Useta Have: '58 JD 420c 5-roller w/62 inside blade
Useta Have: '78 JD350C w/6310 outside blade
Useta Have: '68 JD350, '51 Terratrac GT-25
Have: 1950 M, 2005 x495, 2008 5103 (now known as 5045D)

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